Holly's HBA Corner

Spring Trends 2013!

2013-03-20T11:18:00.001-04:00

Today, March 20, marks the arrival of spring! Hurray! This winter has dragged on for far too long and yielded far too little snow to be worthwhile (at least in central NJ). I am SO ready for spring to be here with its warmer climates, beautiful blooming flowers, and overall much more cheery disposition. And with the onset of a new season comes the arrival of new trends to pine after and purchase, so here are a few you are likely to see:

1. Black & White - Out with the old fashion rules that declare white is a summer color and black only rears its stark head during the winter. This look is everywhere this spring. The idea here is to let the contrast black and white naturally create do the talking for you. Whether it is as simple as a color block jogging suit or amped up via stripes (think referee-wear), this trend is easy and user friendly.

2. Not-So-Basic Sheath Dresses - I am thrilled about this. Sheath dresses are so simple and comfortable to wear. When fitted properly, they are literally effortless to pull off. I own a few and plan to wear them incessantly this spring (or as long as my baby bump allows). And, brought to life with exciting, bright prints, you can't go wrong!

3. Structured Bags - The slouchy hobo has been replaced. Trendsetters are now donning more boxy-shaped handbags. I am currently drooling over this Michael Kors bag. It is a bang for the buck as it incorporates 3 popular trends in one accessory: stripes, blue (very prevalent this season), and structure. Do you think I could get away with adding it to the baby registry? ;)

4. Sunglasses - We are all so tired of the drab and ugliness of winter (especially that of one without much snow), so it seems as if designers are incorporating bright colors into everything to help ring in the new season. Sunglasses are no exception. I am particularly excited about this trend as buying clothes is more difficult now, and accessories are always a great alternative way to utilize a trend.

5. Sheer Blouses - In my present child-bearing state, I'll be foregoing this one, but if you can rock it, go for it! Nevertheless, I warn you - handle with care. It is easy to overdo it on this one and end up looking more skanky than chic.

6. Mint Green - While this color does not really work for my color palette, I find it incredibly appealing for those that do fit the bill. In addition to this lovely spearmint shade, many other pastels are in full bloom this spring - pale yellows, muted corals, and happy pinks. And, I do have an affinity for the continuing trend of tuxedo jackets from last season as pictured below, so who knows? Maybe I'll get lucky!

7. Flats & Low Heels - Spring and summer carry an easy, laid-back vibe, so it's no wonder that such a mindset is reflected in the footwear trend of this season. But in an effort to make all things new, designers are going for pointy flats as opposed to the traditional rounded variety and chunkier heels. Your feet will thank you. :)

Spring is a lovely time of year that serves as the epoch of all things in nature becoming new. I have decided that "Make It New" will be my fashion mantra over the course of the next few months. As always, it is best not go on a shopping spree every new season and buy a brand new wardrobe every 3-4 months. Rather, take stock of what you have already and "re-mix" it as People StyleWatch says. With a little bit of thought and a new piece or two here and there, you can create wonderful new looks that give you a fresh take on life and your wardrobe! Good luck & happy spring!

Make It Count!!

2013-02-02T22:57:00.000-05:00

Readers, I feel badly that I have not posted recently; however, I will not apologize as some things do tend to fall by the way side for a time when one discovers she is expecting. :) About a week after my last post, my husband and I found out that I was pregnant! Between the subsequent holidays and the ever-continuing life adjustments, the frequency of my blogging has not been where I would like it to be. Nevertheless, I am going to do my best to continue writing as it is a creative outlet I truly enjoy.

Unsurprisingly, this blog does stem from a train of thought that has been and is at the forefront of my mind since I learned my body was no longer my own. Proper nutrition during pregnancy is of utmost importance - duh! A brand new life is being formed within the confines of your body, and he/she needs certain, varied, and plentiful nutrients to develop well.

As I read various paraphernalia specifically relating to diet and nutrition during pregnancy, the authors are so kind as to encourage expectant mothers to eat small meals 5-6x per day (to prevent sour stomach, gas, and bloat among other things) and to mix up the foods in their diets so as to insure their bodies are receiving the building blocks of life, vital to their newborn. Moreover, in almost all cases, the writers also contest that such habits are important to continue even after giving birth to promote overall good health. They could not be more right-on!

The key to having a good diet is simply to make it count! Your body craves a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and other nutrients to function at its best. You won't achieve this balance by eating crap. You have to make every bite count! Not all foods are created equal. One cup of Fruit Loops does not have the same nutritional value or sustaining power as does one cup of oatmeal with brown sugar. An apple with peanut butter does not pack the same punch as four Oreos. It's not rocket science.

I realize that some people abhor the idea of feasting on fruits and veggies and cringe at the idea of taking a more healthy approach to eating (i.e. "dieting). But, simple choices made repeatedly go a long way. Instead of Fruit Loops, opt for oatmeal. Instead of six slices of roast beef on your sandwich with a bag of potato chips, go with four slices of turkey breast and an apple. Each decision when it comes to food can be one more nail in the coffin (to put it bluntly) or one for the beautiful structure you are working to sustain.

You have one life to live and one body to do it in. Why not give it your best shot? Now that is not to say, life must be all celery sticks and no creme brule. There is a time and place for every food item; after all, food exists so that it can be enjoyed! You just need to keep everything in balance; this is the key.

I am entering my second trimester and have noticed that in this last week I am seemingly more hungry than before. In my case, this is expected and normal. But rather than gorging myself on unsatisfying and nutritionally deficient junk food, I am going to continue to attempt to make food choices that truly count and afford both my growing baby and I the best nutrition possible. I can't do much for my baby right now other than take the very best care of myself, and that primarily revolves around what I eat. Therefore, it is imperative that I make every bite count! You should, too!

New Territory!

2012-12-07T23:08:00.001-05:00

As I continue to travel further and further down the fashion and makeup rabbit hole, I decided my next adventure would take me into the realm of lipstick and lip liner. Up to this point, I have largely been a chap stick kind of gal, occasionally daring to wear lip gloss or a tinted lip balm. I think I've owned two lip sticks in the last 10 years! So, before diving in, I attempted to do some research.

I came across the following table at Covergirl.com, which seemed pretty straight forward and manageable.


		Size 'em up, size 'em down—create the lips you've always wanted! Here are a few simple tricks and handy how-tos that can help you make the most of your beautiful smile. Size 'em up, size 'em down—create the lips you've always wanted! To Make Lips Look Fuller Pick a lipstick and lipliner in matching shades—choose lighter colors, since darker tones can make lips appear smaller. Use your lip pencil to define lips. Go to the outermost edge of lips but no further—do not go outside the natural lip line. Then fill in entire area with lipliner. This will "hold" lipstick longer. Apply your lipstick over lipliner. To Make Lips Look Wider Instead of plumping up thin lips, try accentuating your mouth's wonderful width! Use a liner that perfectly matches your lipstick and line the extreme edges of lips, extending out to corners. Fill in with lipstick color, then top with gloss on middle of lips only. To Make Lips Look Thinner Trace inside the natural lip line, and fill in with your lipstick. Picking a matte shade will also make lips appear smaller. To Add Natural Definition Give your lips a strong line using a neutral colored pencil, then fill in with a sheer gloss blended gently to the edges by a few strokes of the lip brush. The result is naturally shimmery and moist-looking lips.

So, after watching a few other videos and combing other cosmetic websites, I took the plunge and purchased the Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner in Nude, figuring that my best bet was to keep it as au natural as possible. Then, to compliment it, I purchased Maybelline's Color Sensational High Shine Lip Stick in Nude Glow. (The appeal of this color and brand was that it happened to be on sale at Walgreen's that particular day).

After a little practice, I achieved a look I thought was pretty darn good for a newbie! Simple, yet noticeably pretty.

Now, at this point, I am far from beyond my novice status, but half of the fun of introducing a new makeup item is playing around with various possibilities. I find it fun! So, if you're like me and curious as to how to improve your current or even non-existent lip repetiore, I would recommend looking into Michelle Phan's how-to videos. She video blogs makeup, fashion, and style tips, offering simple and sound advice.

Below is her holiday lip look tutorial. In it, she demonstrates a few ways to achieve different looks using the same lip stick and a few other cosmetics. With the holidays fast approaching, what better time is there to try something new?

As for a particular brand recommendation, I can offer no real help as of yet. When trying something new, I tend to go with cheaper products, commonly found in drug stores. That way, if it ends up being a total bust, it is not a huge loss to my wallet. There are a lot of different options out there - lip color/stick, lip stain, lip gloss, tinted lip balm, and more. Each one offers different advantages, so do a little research and go for one that will suit your needs/desires best.

I'd love to hear what you commonly use. Please feel free to comment and share your knowledge. I'll take all the help I can get with this new venture! :)

Something You Shouldn't Live Without.

2012-11-06T20:21:00.002-05:00

One of the most common excuses for not exercising is, of course, "I don't have the time." I know, I know. That being that case, I then suggest you take up stretching at the very least. It takes minutes!! (Not as if there aren't a myriad of available exercise videos that can be executed in 10 minutes or less, but I digress).

As much as I love a grueling workout, I love my cool down/stretch even more. Regardless of how you spend the bulk of your day, your body develops areas of tightness. This is in large part due to one's posture which has developed over the years and often has areas of imbalance, resulting in pulling and straining on opposing muscle groups. Therefore, regular stretching is something you really shouldn't live without.

Stretching increases flexibility and the range of motion your joint's have. Keeping your muscles and joints limber can decrease stiffness and pain. It feels great! And, if you simultaneously focus on your breathing while stretching, it can be relaxing and help you de-stress. That reason alone should make a strong enough argument, convincing you that it would be worth your while.

Below is a picture of various stretches that focuses on several of the major muscle groups. If you'd like something with a bit more detail, WebMD provides a how-to guide for 15 different stretches. If you are up for a little bit of a challenge, you can try Dr. Oz's 7-minute workout that includes both stretching and light exercise.

In terms of the length of time to devote to stretching, I suggest you grab your iPod, put on your 2 favorite songs, and stretch while you listen to them! That will amount to about 5-7 minutes. You can't possibly tell me you don't have time for that! Or, stretch during commercial breaks while you watch your favorite show. I employ that technique frequently when I'm feeling particularly tight.

The idea is to stretch far enough to create a gentle tug on your muscles, but not to go too far as to create great discomfort. It is recommended that you hold any particular stretch for at least 20 seconds, potentially holding the position for up to a full minute. I find 20 seconds generally does the trick for me; although, I do often repeat my series at least once.

However you choose to go about adding stretching into your life, whether you do so every day or 2-3x per week, I offer my, "Anything is better than nothing" rule. Even if you manage to do so only once a week, such a routine is better than doing nothing at all. Your body will thank you! And if it helps, I'll provide the proverbial pat on your back! :) Now, get to it!

That's What She Said!

2012-11-04T19:33:00.000-05:00

Marie Claire that is, and Tatiana Boncompagni more specifically.

Tucked in the back pages of October's issue, "Portion Control" hides in plain sight with some great information regarding age and a woman's metabolism. In this article, Boncompagni breaks down what happens to a woman's body as it ages and how one's diet should then be modified accordingly. I found it incredibly straight forward and helpful, so I wanted to pass it on to my readers. I hope you find it as beneficially informative!

Click on the link above, or here to read the article!

In Stores Now!

2012-10-02T21:25:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend, Jon and I visited the Grand Opening of a Burlington Coat Factory. We're not strangers to this discount department store, but up to this point the closest one has been about 25 minutes away. Now, it's just about a hop, skip, and a jump away!

Not having extra cash to splurge, I took the opportunity to "photo shop" and take pictures of all the things that caught my eye. So here are my fav finds!

Burlington Coat Factory (BCF) is a great place to go for dresses and business attire. I especially liked these "on trend" dresses from several different designers. With fall upon us, I could totally see myself in the Calvin Klein sweater dress (top left). Color blocking is still in, and the styling is so simple - perfect for every day. Anne Klein provides us with a houndstooth sheath dress - a great choice for work (top right)! In addition, this season, designers seem to be swooning with romanticism, and the lace-like eyelet woven dress is stunning (bottom left)! Lastly, I love the stitching on the dress pictured at bottom right. It draws attention to all the right places, and the belt will also help to flatter one's shape

I got excited when I saw a few racks devoted to one of my favorite designers, BCBG. This tweed skirt from that label is an easy pick for anyone who wants to try on this popular fall trend without looking dowdy. I love the strategic brown stripes - beautiful! Hear say has it that silk pants are in! This particular pair is pockmarked with rhinestones. Admittedly, I will not be leaping towards this new trend, but I could definitely see it as a fun item to wear. Floral prints are still prominent, and I am IN LOVE with snakeskin pants.

For tops, as expected, we see military-inspired details on this simple black, cowl neck sweater. I was intrigued by the feather trim this red cardigan featured; I deem it quite lovely. And, for the last year or so, I've been itching to purchase a non-black bomber. I have a great leather jacket, but I would love one in another color. I do not remember precisely, but I believe this one is $35 or less. Pictured, bottom right, we have 3 different options for casual outerwear, but with a preppy vibe - another popular look you'll see this fall.

Furthering my love for BCBG, I came across these 2 dazzling pieces. I have been searching for the perfect wardrobe item that carries some sparkle. I love this tank top and its geometric detailing. The non-adorned pleats add a really neat touch to this flouncy skirt. I would love to own both. My birthday is coming! ;)

On to accessories!! Animal print is everywhere. Of these 4 bags, my favorite is the bottom right from Kenneth Cole's Reaction line. I love it's overall neutral color scheme with the brown accent pieces. Gonna be keeping this one on my radar.

If you're into bags of a smaller size, Steve Madden offers two cute options -the yellow snakeskin one and the colorblocked envelope clutch. I personally love the one pictured far right by Jessica Simpson. Cute shape, neat snakeskin print, love the woven texture. And, at $20, you can't beat the price!

Equestrianism has made it's mark in the realm of handbags. I like the bright color options pictured here at far left, my favorite being the berry colored one. The blue cross body by Nine West is practical and eye catching. And, the deep emerald color combined with the gold hardware makes the wristlet at far right luxe.

Arm and foot candy is up next!! I love the vibrant blue in the top left bracelet with all of the variously sized stones. Bracelets and bangles of all colors, shapes, and sizes are fashion forward right now and a great way to add flair to any look! I love the neat pattern on the capped flats pictured far left - very unique. If you're looking to incorporate houndstooth in a less demonstrative way, the flat pictured in the center are a great option. And, if you're looking to make a statement with your footwear, the Aztec and/or snakeskin wedges pictured at the far right can take you there! Great options all around!

For the men! BCF had blazers a plenty! I love how the one pictured top left incorporates a paisley design. At right, we see the prep school look infiltrating menswear. The jacket at bottom left incorporates houndstooth in an almost plaid-like pattern, simultaneously hitting two trends at once. And, if you read my last blog, Fall Favs for Men, BCF also has quite a selection of reasonably priced pocket squares ($7.99 each) to liven up your suit. In general, there was quite an array of clothing options for men there. Next time, I'll have to spend a bit more time "photo shopping" in that department.

I really enjoyed our visit and the opportunity to add a few more items to my never-ending wish list. I still have a $10 off coupon. After payday, I think I just might have to go for a second visit. ;) Hit me up with your favorite fall finds!

Fall Favs for Men!!

2012-09-22T11:13:00.001-04:00

A dear friend once pointed out to me that my blogs are largely biased towards the female population. While certain things, like color schemes and some prints, are universal, I don't always touch on what is popular in men's fashion at any given point. So here, I seek to rectify that. You're welcome! ;)

What will be much to my dear friend's delight, this fall is all about well put together looks, to appear dapper if you will.

Suits are IN! And we're not just talking about throwing on a sport coat here. Oh no, we're looking for 3 piece suits - trouser, blazer, and vest! But to "stay classy, San Diego," and not appear stuffy, work color into your ensemble via a pocket square, bright tie, or a dress shirt in an autumn hue. You can also make use of various fabrics to liven up your look - corduroy, tweeds, and plaids are all cool weather appropriate. And while rich browns are quintessential to one's autumn wardrobe, lighter variations are couture as well. Just take a look at this great ensemble my friend, Tim, put together!

I applaud his fall color scheme and the choice of light khaki pants. A darker pant would have weighed him down, but the lighter shade keeps his outfit fresh as does his burnt orange shirt and coordinating striped tie! So, follow his lead and spice up the look of your lower half by wearing pants in camel tones, tan, mustard yellows, or creamy browns! As you can see, they easily pair with the other colors featured in this fall's fashion palette.

You can also borrow from the suit trend and wear a vest by itself. Pair with a button down and rolled up sleeves to give off a modern, edgier vibe. Or, use one to take your typical t-shirt and jeans weekend look up a notch! Timerblake excels at this one! I love the fedora!

Similar to women's fashion, leather is being hugely implemented in men's fashion this fall. However, whereas women are seen incorporating leather with mixed materials tops and dresses, for men you'll see it appear more likely as a jacket, briefcase, or messenger bag. I like the two tones of brown featured in this leather messenger bag by Coach. Yes, Coach makes bags even for you, guys! So if you ever wished for a cool "murse," 'tis the season to splurge!

Cooler weather means it is time to break out the ol' jeans again! But, be wary of any that have lost their luster and look over worn. Replace them with dark washes and crisp cuts. As one reviewer put it, "This season is not for sloppy Joes." In fact, fashionistas advise not only women, but the menfolk too, to cuff 'em!

As mentioned in my previous blog, over-sized outerwear is just as big for men as it is for women. There is a lot of opportunity for variations with this one in terms of length, style (single or double breasted), fabric, and trim (faux fur, leather, etc.). So, if you want in, go with what suits you!

Lastly, and my favorite, have fun with SCARVES! Look, I know what you're thinking. Scarves are a woman's accessory, and you can't see yourself ever using one outside of keeping your neck warm. My fellow fashionistas, you can do it! Hey, if Brad Pitt and Hugh Jackman can rock a scarf, so can you! Just follow their example and stick to colors that are close to what you're already wearing. I love the purple stripes in Jackman's knit; a simple shot of color goes a long way here! And, if you need help in the how-to-tie department, check out this website for 9 different techniques!

So men, I hope this helps! I love seeing men who put forth the effort when it comes to their wardrobe choices. It says a lot about a person when they obviously care about their appearance, and clothing/accessories are so much fun to experiment and play with. At least, I think so. :)

Fall Favs!!

2012-09-11T20:53:00.001-04:00

I cannot even begin to convey my excitement over the arrival of fall and therefore the opportunity to become reacquainted with wardrobe items I haven't even thought about in months. I am drooling over so many of the trends that are popular this fall. It's hard to restrain myself from buying one of everything. (Having limited funds certainly helps in this regard).

Here is what you have to look forward to wearing and what you're likely seeing in stores already:

1. Deep Colors - Hunter Green, Oxblood, Concord Grape, Burgundy, Eggplant, Royal Blue, Black, & more. Autumn offers a new and natural palette along with the change of season. Displayed on the left, Pantone nails down 10 prominent shades for this upcoming season, and there is no doubt about it! These colors coincide well with autumn's warm and cozy feel.

2. Military Details - For this trend, it truly is "all in the details." Designers amplify the impact of a look by using shiny buttons, gold piping, and signature military shapes.

3. Trumpet Hems - *insert trumpet fanfare* Say hello to the graduated form of the peplum! Peplums are still on trend; however, now you will see that characteristic flare below the waist, too. It adds a lovely feminine touch to an otherwise straight skirt. I like it (and happen to own one already! Sweet!).

4. "Bowler" or Dome-Shaped Bags - A more structured take on the hobo, dome shaped bags effortlessly add extra polish to your overall look. And, in this shade of green, this one is perfect for fall!

5. Bold Patterns - Brocade, Paisley, Plaid, & Houndstooth - With the frequency these prints have been appearing, each one could have a category all it's own. I have seen them used in every combination imaginable - tops, dresses, pants, skirts, belts, shoes, and more! I am glad they've made a comeback and enjoy how designers have updated and incorporated these patterns. Definitely worth looking into!

6. Bedazzled Necklines - If it's big, eye catching, and provides high impact to your dress/top, you've hit this trend. You can find these necklaces in all sorts of styles. If you're a little hesitant, Forever 21 offers quite a few more than reasonably priced choices that you can try on for size. ;)

7. The Shift Dress - A tricky one to pull off well. It has no defined shape, so ladies with certain body forms (such as my own), could have a difficult time with this one. Real Simple offers advice as to what type of shift dress will best suit each body type. The appeal to their simple design is that they can be dressed up or down and accessorized any which way you please. A little creativity can take you a long way with this trend.

8. Over-sized Coats - Celebs are diving into this one! Over-sized outerwear is in. The main thing to remember is to keep your proportions in check! If your upper body is buried beneath a big coat, keep your lower body's look sleek and closer to the body.

9. Rich Materials that add Textural Impact - Patent Leather, Faux Fur, Suede, even Velvet! - If you're looking for an easy way to kick your look up a notch, try to incorporate one of these wardrobe items: patent leather shoes, a faux fur vest, a suede skirt, or a velvet dress. They pack a punch when it comes to fashion and can provide that "Oomph!" you're looking for.

10. Gold for Day & Night - With it's brilliance slightly muted, gold can now be worn during the day and does not have to wait for a night out on the town. It acts like a neutral, so it can be paired with just about anything! And, it still carries that "Notice me!" appeal without being over the top.

11. Loafers & Oxfords - Borrowing from the menfolk, you will find these two styles in great abundance at shoe stores. Loafers will often be accompanied by tassels to lend extra flair, and oxfords come in all sorts of styles, fabrics, and heel heights! Very appealing to shoe lovers everywhere!

12. Earthy Motifs - Navajo or Aztec inspired pieces became in vogue last year, but their presence pervades. Their earthy, natural color schemes lend themselves well to fall's color palette. Along the same lines, you will also find forest animals emblazoned on tops and sweaters. I fancy the owl one, of course. :)

So there you have it! Some of the more popular trends for fall. Wear them well. As always, mix and match! It's always great when you can invest in one piece that hits multiple trends, but half the fun of fashion is implementing multiple pieces into one outstanding, cohesive look. So have fun with it! Snap some photos of your favorite fall outfits. I would love to see them! And, as always, stay true to yourself!

Fashion Rules Fashion Show!

2012-08-18T21:41:00.000-04:00

I attended my first fashion show!!! Our local mall hosted Fashion Rules, an event sponsored by mall retailers to showcase fall fashions and trends. I put together a laid back, though pulled together outfit to wear to the event (easy V-neck white tee, dark red flare pants, gold and rose gold bangles, gold owl earrings, black heels, a mustard yellow belt, and a matching cross body bag - if you must know). I must've looked like I knew what I was doing because as I parked myself at the end of the catwalk, poised with my iPhone to insure good picture taking opportunities, I caused some of the models to turn my way and pose. Hehehe... I was in my glory.

Anyway, here are the pictures I took from the event. I'll comment as I go.

This look is from Joyce Leslie. I liked the rocker vibe.

From GAP. Layers are in!

In my opinion, this look has too many layers. Well coordinated, but impractical.

Plaid is very in this Fall for men and women!

A look at evening wear! Not sure how I feel about this guy in purple, but he thought he was hot stuff. He posed AT me. LoL!

This suit is sleek!

Very cool.

A slimmer fit. I like the purple!

Royal blue is so standout!

Love the sky high heels!

THIS WAS MY FAVORITE DRESS! BCBG!

Miss New Jersey Jr.

Miss Teen NJ.

Love the beading.

Black and white...

...Classic and chic!

Blazers are HUGE this Fall. I like it in red with the tuxedo inspired lapels.

I liked this look a lot too. Red on bottom this time!

This suits him.

That's right! Show your stuff!

A different take. I like the combo.

For your sweet 16!

I enjoyed the show. I wish more stores had participated. But I had fun scoping out their fall selections afterwards in stores. :) In the near future, I'll do an overview of the big trends for Fall. One thing I am seeing A LOT of already is exaggerated houndstooth. I am liking it amped up in a larger print. I feel enlarging it has given it an updated look that will appeal more to the younger crowd.

In my perusing, I scooped up this scarf from Forever 21. It immediately caught my eye. It also comes in traditional black and white as well as blue and black.I can't wait to use it! Stay tuned for more!!

My New Best Friend

2012-07-08T23:08:00.000-04:00

Quite a few years back I was admiring my mother's beauty, specifically her skin. Despite her being 30 years older than I, I could not help but appreciate how smooth and healthy it appeared. I asked her how is it that although she was well over 40 at the time and much of her hair had greyed as a result of her working over a decade on 3rd shift (not to mention raising us 5 kids), her skin was in such great condition! Her response: "You start doing something about it when you're 30!"

For whatever reason, these "words of wisdom" stuck with me. I have read and ignored too many times the admonition to take great care when it comes to your skin, particularly that of one's face. Consequently, as the heart and great heat of summer approached and as a natural compliment to my already proactive approach towards my health and overall well-being, I decided not to wait until I was 30 to start "doing something about it." I would begin now.

Somewhere along the way, I had read about Olay's moisturizer with SPF. As with any beauty product, I checked out the reviews. Amazon.com usually has very helpful consumer reviews for all sorts of products. The only complaints that Olay's moisturizer had were when they changed their formula. Once they changed it back, triumphant reviews followed. So, I decided I would start my new beauty regimen with that.

I purchased Olay's Complete All Day UV Moisturizer with SPF 15 for Combination/Oily Skin for roughly $10. I have worn it every day since and have been quite pleased with the outcome. Not only does it provide the necessary protection from the sun, but the moisturizing component works great without being greasy. It absorbs well and has not caused any breakouts. Concerning the SPF, it does it's job. For example, on July 4th, I was out in the sun for no more than 2 hours and had only applied the moisturizer to my face with no additional SPF. My shoulders and arms burned; my face did not. I need no further convincing.

Henceforth, I will continue to use this product religiously. You do not need to dispense a lot of the product with each use, so the $10 will go a long way - a small price to pay for healthy, young looking skin.

Whether Olay's moisturizing sunscreen is for you or not, I would encourage you, reader, to not wait any longer to take matters into your own hands with regards to your skin's health. Earlier this year, a dear friend of mine was discovered to have a nasty stage 2 melanoma that needed to be removed. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and said person is doing just fine. Nevertheless, you always think it could never be you until it's too late. Why risk it, especially when prevention is so easy?

Another great SPF product that won't break your bank is Walgreen's Sunscreen. At 2/$5 for 3 oz., you can't beat the price. It goes on well and is not greasy, and it comes in varying degrees of protection - SPF 15, 30, 50, and even 70+. It is available as normal sunscreen or "Sport" with water and sweat resistance. If you prefer spray over cream, they have that, too, but at a slightly higher price. I have been using this product for the last 2 summers and have no complaints.

So there you have it! No room for excuses! My final words are taken from a recent tweet by Chalene Johnson, "Treat your body like a temple, not a trashcan." Guaranteed, you'll be more than happy with the results.

It's Beyond Me!

2012-06-23T20:13:00.002-04:00

I'm probably not going to make any friends with this post, but this topic has been on my mind for weeks. I cannot understand why people don't make exercise a priority. It is essential to living your best life, and, I don't know about you, but since I only have one life to live, I want to give it all I've got!

Believe me, I understand it is not easy to create an exercise regimen out of nothing, and sticking to it is even more difficult. It really just comes down to a matter of priorities; you have to want it. Unfortunately, it often takes something catastrophic for people to find the motivation. Thankfully, it is rarely "too late," and with a lot of work and moral support from friends and family, people are able to change their habits and reboot their life.

Exercise is unbelievably worth it in so many ways. Obviously, it assists in weight loss and/or management. It builds muscle, strengthens your organs, bones, and even boosts your brain function! It wards off countless diseases and conditions (heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoporosis, etc.) that can decrease your quality of living or even be life threatening. It improves your mood by releasing endorphins as you exercise, which can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress.

In this day and age, people are constantly on the lookout for the "wonder pill" - the one thing, in whatever form it may come, that will solve all of their life's problems and make them nearly invincible. Well, guess what? It already exists; it's called exercise! Now, of course, exercise is truly only one side of the coin. It needs to be moderated by a healthy diet as well. The pair when in the right combination can produce unbelievable and positive results. Hence, it is beyond me why people don't make healthy living more of a priority.

Ultimately, it comes down to laziness, which makes me incredibly sad. It really is not that tall an order. Again, you have to want it. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that as a minimum adults should get 2.5 hours of moderate intensity exercise per week (that's approximately 21.5 minutes per day) and engage in muscle strengthening activities at least twice a week, giving attention to all major muscle groups. When the topic of exercise arises, the most common excuse people give is, "I don't have enough time." The CDCP goes on to say that 10 minutes at a time is fine and still able to produce health benefits. Who can't spare 10 minutes, really?

So, sorry to say it, but the general public is without excuse. And, your overall well-being ought to be important enough to take action. So, take a good introspective look. What's keeping you from the 20 minutes a day that it takes to keep yourself on the path towards a long, happy, and healthful life?

Is it easy? No. Is it doable? Yes. And as I always say, anything - even just 10 minutes a day - is better than nothing at all. Every choice one makes towards improving their quality of life and overall health makes a difference, and all it takes is a repetition of such choices to create a habit that will change your life for the better.

Bottom line: you can do it. You should do it. And, in whatever way I can, I'm here to help.

This Summer I Am Loving....

2012-05-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

To me, and many others, summertime is nearly synonymous with fun - BBQ's, vacations, picnics, swimming, fruity drinks, ice cold beer, and easy, breezy clothing. Hands down, it is my favorite time of year. As the weeks slip by leaving spring behind and venturing ever closer towards the summer solstice, I have really been enjoying window shopping, tantalized by all of the various prints, cuts, and designs retailers are offering for summer. Here are a few things I've come to really admire.

Fuchsia!

It's bright! It's bold! I love it! It is part of the neon family that is so trendy right now. So far, it has shown up a few times in my warm weather wardrobe:


New Mini From Charlotte Russe

Jones New York Dress Worn To My Brother's Wedding Dress Rehearsal

Printed Tee, Also From Charlotte Russe

It has also made it to my eyelids and travels with me daily on my handbag. With the exception of the mini skirt, the color is worked in very nicely to it's accompanying pattern so as not to overwhelm. Nevertheless, it's very presence however minimal (or not) always makes me smile. To me, it coincides all too well with my fun-loving personality and all that I anticipate with the arrival of summer.

Bold prints.
It is another big feature of fashion right now and awful hard to miss. Bold prints are everywhere. My sister scored a terrific maxi dress, which she wore to our brother's rehearsal dinner. Again, bright colors, contrasting directional prints - love it! The blue/green motif is also very "in" right now. It stands alone very well, but also nicely compliments nautical inspired pieces (also very "on trend"). NY & Company currently carries this eye-catching number, playing off a similar color pairing, as does Calvin Klein.

NY & Company

Calvin Klein

Fun sandals.
Summertime is the best friend of toes. 'Tis the season for pedicures! From flip flops to sandals in all shapes, sizes, and colors, summer is the season of bare feet. And what better way to show off your tootsies than with a fabulous pair of shoes!

At our BBQ this weekend, a friend arrived wearing these lovely flip flops by Vince Camuto (see right). The golden bow is such a nice, adorable touch. I love them!

I personally picked up an awesome pair of turquoise espadrilles (see left). I have so many outfits I can pair them with. They're perfect summer footwear!

Fun Boho accessories.
Since wardrobe choices tend to lean towards comfortable, light fabrics and loose, flowy designs during the summer, they easily pair with the laid back vibe of Bohemia.

From rings, necklaces, bracelets, and shoes, retailers have it all. Take your pick! Or, throw on a floppy hat and a unique hobo and you're good to go! Playing to this easy-going vibe is...well, easy! And dressing this way only helps to foster that carefree, fun atmosphere that everyone relishes in this time of year.

Summer has just barely begun, which means we still have well over 3 months of mixing, matching, and re-mixing our wardrobes to fit with however the tides are taking us on any given day. Some days you may feel especially girly and don a flowy skirt. Other days, I'm sure you'll want to get grimy and dirty playing beach volleyball and wear sporty attire, making yourself appear no less formidable to your competitors. As always, there's no wrong approach. Wear what you like, what becomes you. And most of all, have fun! After all, it is summer!!

What have you fallen in love with this season?

Dairy Detox Update

2012-04-25T19:44:00.000-04:00

So! I have been dairy free for over a month now, and I must say that I have had little to no difficulty with the switch. Sure, I kick myself when I'm dying to indulge in a vanilla soft serve cone here and there, but thanks to Rita's Italian Ice and some great ice cream substitutes, I make out just fine. My gas/bloating problem is under control, which is a big relief. And, my dairy detox has come with some surprising health benefits!

Last fall, as a product of being on my feet for many hours a day without shoes, karate over the years, and Zumba, I was getting regular discomfort in my feet, particularly between my third and fourth toes towards the ball of my foot. I would also experience numbness in my toes when the pain was especially obvious. After fighting it for about a month, I finally went to a podiatrist. She explained that I had inflammation between my toe joints due to lack of support. So, I immediately began wearing shoes at work and increased the support for my arch (which has been a chronic issue since my teenage years) with an insole. The pain/discomfort/numbness definitely decreased, but did not altogether disappear...until I removed dairy products from my diet.

Milk is a known allergen that can trigger an inflammatory response. Consequently, I have seen vast improvements in the pain in my foot. Sure, it didn't miraculously heal my acute injury, and I still have flares from time to time when I have been especially hard on my feet. Nevertheless, it is worlds better than it was back in October.

Also, as you know from my older posts, I have been combating rosecea, merely assuming it to be a byproduct of my "old age." Since my detox, the redness in my cheeks has reduced dramatically. I no longer need makeup to cover the red nor even out my skin tone. My skin is beautiful and healthy looking like it used to be! I am thrilled!!

Needless to say, I am very happy with my decision and the positive effects it has had on my overall health. Since I was walking tall (literally and figuratively) with such great results and ever so passionate about health and fitness, I plunged a bit further.

Now, my diet is predominantly vegetarian but with the allowance of fish. Truly, it happened naturally. Most of my diet in the last few years has centered around fruits and vegetables. And, as I take lunch to work with me every day, it is easy to control what I eat. Several months ago, after a rather prolonged IBS flare, my husband resolved to not eat as much red meat. I have never been a huge fan of red meat. Sure, I'll eat it, but given the choice between chicken and beef, I'll take the chicken. Regardless, after removing beef from our diet, he saw improvements quickly. Now, after removing meat almost entirely, his IBS problems have been non-existent. This is HUGE. Ever since I have known Jon, he has battled with IBS (at times quite literally). To not have to deal with this ailment is a true blessing.

My husband and I often talk about how to take a proactive and healthy approach to our lives. Health and fitness are important to us, and we want to not just talk the talk when we are on the gym or dojo floor, but walk the walk, too. Truthfully, we do it for ourselves, not so much for those we are an example to. But, we enjoy knowing that we have integrity with what we encourage others to strive for.

In our quest for healthier living, I came across this book and highly recommend it, The Flexitarian Diet by Dawn Jackson Blatner. This book has a great approach whether you're looking just to tweak your diet or overhaul it completely. There is no pressure. The recipes are simple, easy, and allow for meat if you want it. It includes easy "swaps" to take out all the guesswork - if you're not a fan of bean, use chicken, beef, or fish; if you can't have cheese, use avocado. It is so user friendly and able to be modified according to your natural palette preferences. I have made many of the recipes and have a list of those I am dying to try. It includes 35 breakfasts, 35 lunches, 35 dinners, and 35 snacks - a 5 week plan that you can pick and choose from as you wish. Definitely a cookbook worth getting.

As I said, I am more than happy with the results of my new diet. I extend a great big "Thank You!" to my sister who has been a vegetarian for 2 years and is a great resource to call upon when in need of advice or ideas for a great recipe. I applaud my husband who has been the beef king for so long as he continues to take a more proactive and thoughtful approach to his diet and overall lifestyle. And, I encourage everyone to live a life that allows you to be exactly the kind of person you want to be. As SELF magazine often says, "Be your best SELF." You're the only YOU this world will ever know. :)

Dairy Detox

2012-03-11T17:39:00.000-04:00

In an effort to improve my quality of living, I began a new quest this week. "Why would a 26-year old children's gymnastics, fitness, and Zumba instructor need to improve their quality of living?" You ask. Well, you see, I have a problem, a gaseous problem. Every day, I am plagued by flatulence. Not so much the comedic, nonchalant toot, but of the silent and extremely deadly variety.

Thankfully, I work with children, so it is easy to avoid responsibility and allow the child next to me to take the blame for any unpleasant smells. Not a few times have I passed wind and a parent subsequently picked up their child to smell his/her rear to see if he/she has dirtied his/her diaper. However, what took the cake this week was when I passed gas in a class made up of mostly 3.5 year olds. A child caught wind (pun intended) of one of my foul vapors and exclaimed, "I smell something bad." Trying to inquire but not give myself away, I asked, "Well, what is it you smell?" "It smells like poop," he replied. Say no more. I'm done.

I researched daily gas and bloating issues via the ever-so-wonderful world wide web, and the first suggestion that popped up across all discussion boards was lactose intolerance. My husband, upon broaching the subject with him and having had first hand experience with my odoriferous ventings, agreed with the idea. I am a fiend when it comes to milk and cereal in the morning, yogurt or cheese often for a snack, and ice cream at the end of the night. I love dairy. Who can blame me? Since my diet is otherwise nutritious and healthy, I was left with no other obvious options. I decided to go all in.

My supportive husband kindly procured almond milk for my cereal the next morning, and my lunch box the next day had zero dairy in it. I had had a milkshake the day before, so I puttered my way through Day 1 with little to no change noted. Day 2 was pockmarked with a few gaseous excerpts, but the bloating I had experienced on a nearly daily basis was not there. Nor did it appear on Day 3 or 4. The frequency of my outbursts had definitely decreased, or if I did pass gas I could account for the reason why - an otherwise common trigger food I had consumed earlier.

Here it is now, Day 7. I am holding strong. I abstained from Chicken Parmesan and ice cream cake last night (which I'm convinced caused a little piece of me to die inside). At one point today, I thought, "Today would be a nice day to enjoy cheese cake." NOPE! All of my usual go-to's are no-no's. Pizza is out of the question, as is a fast dinner of raviolis. Such realizations have been occurring all week as has the confirmation that diary has been a significant part of my diet up to this point.

Other than being denied some of my most beloved foods, the worst part of this detox is the withdrawal symptoms. Yep, I'm going through withdrawal. Many people have had flu like symptoms when they come off dairy. They often feel fatigue and "brain fog." Headaches, acne breakouts, gas, and even mood swings make the list of potential symptoms. Thankfully, I have not suffered terribly. However, today, I feel very fatigued. Truly, I am often tired due to the high amounts of energy I expend at work, but this is beyond my norm. Additionally, my attitude over the last few days has been lethargic, which is also very unlike me.

Nevertheless, I keep on pushing, confident that I will overcome this hurdle and be all the better for it. I can't say that I am flatulence free, but there has been a definite improvement. Now, if only my body can finish purging itself of all the dairy waste that has built up over the last 26 years and I can get beyond withdrawal, I know I will be in a much better place. I'll be sure to keep you, readers, updated, but for now, the quest continues.

Trends for Spring 2012

2012-02-19T22:51:00.001-05:00

I am LOVING the odd winter we are having - the lack of snow, the warmer temperatures, the crisp, cold breezes. (Perfect for backyard Zumba). :) Sunny days such as today make me look forward to spring all the more, and of course that means a whole new list of fashion picks to oogle and drool over.

As defined by People Style Watch, here are the top 10 trends that you have to look forward to:

1. Colorblocking - This bold trend has carried over from last year and remains at the forefront of popular fashion. You can DIY or just purchase a piece that showcases it. It really encourages the mixing of bursts of color in a pulled-together, chic way. Snazzy! (Yep, I said snazzy).

2. Day Clutches - I want one!!!!!! I am still a huge fan of the envelope style clutch, and I have yet to purchase one. Day clutches are so fun because depending on their look, they can easily go from day to night, from casual to more dressy. I am a huge fan of this metallic clutch by Milly, $174.90 at Nordstrom's. It can add a little luxe to a cute t-shirt and jeans outfit or accentuate a stunning LBD. You can't lose!

3. Ankle-strap heels - Worn thick or more narrow, this dainty footwear option adds a feminine touch to your wardrobe.

4. Mint Green - I am trying really hard with this one, but I am just not one for pastels. Nevertheless, I will not completely throw it out. In fact, I recently gave a friend some mint colored nail polish to help her phalanges stay on trend this spring. :) You can't rock them all, so you must get creative in the ways you incorporate trends. Fresh creativity - that is the name of the game!

5. Leather - It doesn't have to be black! In fact, it's better if its not! Rock the look on dresses or with mixed material tops. Of course, jackets are A-OK, too. I have kept my eye on this faux leather jacket by Worthington ($40 at JCPenney). The luscious caramel color makes it incredibly versatile. The lack of a collar also adds sleek appeal.

6. Blue & Green Jewelry - Life on the high seas has left it's mark on popular fashion. Nautical whimsy is very in right now, so of course one "must have" the accessories to go along with it. Paired with basic, unfussy pieces - crisp white tees, dark blue denim - blue and green jewelry adds just enough pop to add interest and glam. Or, alongside dressier, yet still neutral pieces, it can really standout as it did for Eva Mendes at the Golden Globes.

7. Florals - Florals were quite popular last year; now, the prints are getting bigger and bolder. Why not? Flowers are gorgeous! I'm jumping into this trend full force. Unimpressed by what I have been seeing in stores lately, I decided I would no longer wait for someone to create something I like; I will make it myself. So, I bought this lovely daisy print fabric and will be making a pencil skirt with it. I'm rather excited about the project and the opportunity to sew again. Stay tuned for the results!

8. Peplums - I'm covered! A few weeks ago, wanting to award myself for a hard week at work, I did a bit of shopping and stumbled across this white peplum tank at New York & Company. I was amazed at how good it looked on me and how it minimized my pear-shaped frame. Originally priced at $42.95, I snagged mine during a super sale for $8.49!!!!!! Boo yah! It totally pays to be a bargain shopper. :) Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you're gonna flaunt it, make sure you keep everything else in proportion. Pencil skirts are a great option.

9. Metallic Heels - Gold and silver shoes are like gold and silver jewelry. No matter what you're wearing them with, they pair perfectly. Treat them like neutrals with pizazz! And as far as the style of shoe, anything goes! Get a pair with an ankle strap like these by Nine West and sport two trends at once! They happen to be on sale at 6pm.com for $27.60, 60% off MSRP! (They will also pair nicely with your Milly day clutch).

10. Neon - Brace yourself! It is in every part of your closet - tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories, even makeup! Many who are brave enough to don shades of hot pink, chartreuse, and vibrant orange will take a minimalist approach. But you can go all out, making a magenta dress with simple neautral accessories you're fashion forward statement for the evening. Or, enliven a white/black ensemble with a super sunny blazer! Neon is about fun, so why not have fun with it!?

Blake Lively


Kim Kardashian

Alright folks, there you have it! 10 trends for spring 2012! They will likely carry you right into summer, too! Have fun! Be brave! Be bold! Be you! Spring, keep comin'!

Closet Purge

2012-01-23T22:48:00.000-05:00

The frivolity of the New Year has passed. In fact, the first month of the year is nearly over! Why wait until spring to "clean up your act?" I think the New Year offers a great opportunity to clean out your closet! Here are some tips I have come across to help you in the potentially pain-staking and painful process.

Sort it out.

There are those pieces that you cannot do without; you love and live in them. Keep 'em, but organize them in a way that makes sense for you - by type (tee vs. tank), color, or occasion (casual, dressy, essentials). Having some sort of organization makes for easier wardrobe choices later on and when you're in a hurry.

Then, there are things in your wardrobe that have not seen the light of day in at least a year or more. These are easy tosses. Unless they have some great sentimental value, they can head straight to the donation pile. (Emotional attachment is grounds to go to the "maybe" pile; however, when you get to the point where you need to choose yes/no, be brutally realistic).

Also, things that do not fit any more or are very worn (think pulled fabric, armpit stains, holes, etc.) are easy to eliminate. I cleared about 4 hangers getting rid of stuff that has become too big on me; too big = ill fitting = not flattering = not for me. Out it goes!

If you're like any other woman, you've likely accumulated quite a number of shoes and bags. Treat them as you would your clothes. Ask yourself: When was the last time you wore them? Do they fit? Can you stand in them, or do they cripple you in a matter of minutes? Are they wearable with the rest of your wardrobe? How many pairs of flip flops do you really need? Again, approaching your items with a realistic, practical perspective safeguards you from holding on to things you really don't need.

Along those lines, assess quantity. How many __________ (tees, skirts, pairs of jeans, hoodies) do you really need? Perhaps a more recently purchased item can officially replace an older one.

This tip I cannot take credit for, but is perhaps my favorite. Borrowed from Style Me Thrifty: "Keep a notepad handy as you go through your wardrobe. Make a wish list of new pieces of clothing or accessories that might breathe new life back into an outfit. A skinny belt, long necklace, or nude pumps might be just want you need to tie a couple outfits together. " I do this all the time, not just when I'm purging my dresser drawers. I create a "Wish List" so that when I feel the urge to shop (which is often weekly), I can go with purpose and settle on something my wardrobe "needs" rather than something I impulsively like.

Hopefully, these tips will get you on the way to a more organized, accessible wardrobe. Sifting through your clothes periodically is quite helpful, especially as the seasons change. Sometimes, you've forgotten about that great halter top you can effortless rock this summer or those great cords you snagged right at the end of the fall/winter season last year. Knowing what you have is half the battle. Utilizing as many wardrobe pieces as possible and creating knock out looks in clothes you feel confident wearing is the sweet victory. :)

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-08T23:15:00.000-05:00

So many use this time of year to "get back on track." I say, work to never fall off track!! True, easier said than done, but not if you approach your goals realistically. Here a few easy-to-incorporate tips to help you get started.

Tip 1: Be realistic. Set small goals that can be achieved - not easily necessarily, but make them doable. Determining to lose ALL of the extra pounds that were added to your waistline over the course of 2011 by the end of January is a recipe for failure. Sure, a crash diet may produce those kinds of results, but they will never last. Also, once you achieve your smaller goals, you can set new, small ones, and as you achieve those, all of the small achievements you've made will add up. All the while, you will have incrementally changed your life habits, which will make for a lasting effect. Hello, success!

Tip 2: Drink more water. (I am scrambling for my Nalgene as I write this). Your body is 70% water, and that water needs to be replenished and refreshed. Plus, it helps all of your body's systems run smoothly. So simple a task. So often neglected.

Tip 3: Eat less processed foods. Processed foods often contain excess sugar or salt that you can just do without. Stick to natural, whole foods - fruits and vegetables. Or when it comes to other snacks, create your own so you have control over it's contents - make your own granola bars, trail mixes, cheese and crackers. The less of your food that is manufactured, the better.

Tip 4: MOVE! Put in exercise wherever, however, whenever you can. Park farther from your job's entrance. Take stairs rather than the elevator. Do an extra lap around the grocery store as you think of any other items you may have missed. Do an exercise DVD. Invest in a Wii and play! It doesn't even need to be a "fitness" game; there are quite a few that just get you up and moving. Take a walk. I know, it's not hard to figure out what to do, but more difficult to actually DO it. But if healthy living is a priority, you can make it happen!

Tip 5: Eat often; keep your metabolism running. Aim to eat every 3-4 hours. Have small snacks between each meal that combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They will keep you feeling full, energized, and well nourished. If you stick to three meals a day, or even eat frequently but in an unbalanced manner, you'll do yourself a disservice. You'll lose out on natural burn time that you don't even have to work for! Plus, if you're like me and love food, eating more frequently offers more opportunities to nosh on the foods you love. Granted, you will need to exercise portion control; however, since you'll be able to eat more often, you won't feel as compelled to eat so much in one sitting.

I have to say that 2011 was a good year for me as far as healthy living is concerned. I have dropped a few pounds since last January and have toned up a good deal. Certainly, teaching Zumba has helped a lot towards this end. Nevertheless, I acknowledge that I am where I am because of the diligence with which I approach diet and exercise.

You can't just "diet;" you must make it a lifestyle. Then and only then will you find true success. The number on the scale will matter less, and it will revolve more around how you feel in your own skin. When you're actively taking care of yourself, you can live guiltless, free, confident. That is not to say you won't have a bad day every so often; we all do. But keep your perspective on your journey as a whole, not on one single trip-up when you have countless other steps logged that have moved you in a positive direction.

I wish you the best in 2012. I hope you can put these tips to good use. Even if you only endeavor to incorporate one into your already busy life, something is always better than nothing at all. You can do it! Feel free to contact me if you need some extra moral support. :) Happy New Year!

Be Your Best Self

2011-11-30T22:18:00.000-05:00

The other day, I was watching Sex and the City. I never watched the show while it actively aired, but due to a dear friend's recent move to New York City, I was inspired to jump on the SATC band wagon and start from the beginning.

In the 2nd episode of Season 1, "Models & Mortals," the following scene takes place:

MIRANDA: We should just admit that we live in a culture that promotes impossible standards of beauty

CHARLOTTE: Yeah, except men think they're possible

MIRANDA: Yeah

CHARLOTTE: You know, no matter how good I feel about myself if I see Christy Turlington, I just wanna give up

MIRANDA: I just wanna force feed her lard, but that’s the difference between you and me

(All laugh)

CARRIE: What are you talking about? Look at you two, you're beautiful

CHARLOTTE: Oooo I hate my thighs

MIRANDA: O come on

CHARLOTTE: I can't even open a magazine without thinking "thighs, thighs, thighs"

MIRANDA: Well I'll take your thighs and raise you a chin

CARRIE: I’ll take you a chin and raise you a … (points at nose)

(All look at Samantha expectantly)

SAMANTHA: What?

CARRIE: Come on

SAMANTHA: I happen to love the way I look

MIRANDA: You should. You paid enough for it ( Miranda, Carrie and Charlotte all laugh)

After finishing the episode and generally reflecting, I began to ponder: Why do we (especially women) seek to emulate other people? We miss out entirely on the fact that regardless of our hair/eye/skin color, waist/breast size, or any other physical trait we "hate" about ourselves, we are the only
(insert full name here) this world will ever know! That fact, in and of itself, should make us proud to be who we are.

My! How the world would be different if we stopped spending so much time worrying about what everyone else thinks and simply concentrated on being our best selves! People, we need to stop comparing ourselves to everybody else! Why do we continue to disillusion ourselves into thinking we could ever look like Ryan Reynolds or a Victoria's Secret model? If that's not how God made you, don't break your back (and your wallet) trying to be something you just anatomically cannot be.

Now, don't get me wrong - I KNOW this is easier said than done (might I remind you that I once was anorexic). Nevertheless, if you don't actively work to change your mindset, of course, you will never experience freedom from the culture "that promotes impossible standards of beauty." (Key word - IMPOSSIBLE).

Furthermore, if you are able to fully grasp the implications of how special you are simply because you are the only YOU to exist, I guarantee you will hold your head up a little higher. Instead of worrying about how you may fall short in the eye's of others, if you focus solely on being the best (insert full name here) you can be in any and every situation - whatever that means and however that looks - much of your current stress will diminish. I know mine did.

At present, I am speaking mostly on the physical level; however, this attitude of loving yourself naturally also applies to your personality, dreams, and ambitions. You only get one shot at life. Do what makes you happy. Aspire towards the things you love and from which you receive fulfillment. When fully flushed out, this idea can potentially change your whole outlook on life!

For years, I have appreciated the artist, Pink. Her music really speaks about and to real situations and all-too-real emotions people face on a daily basis. Her recent song, "F*ckin' Perfect," really sums up and communicates my feelings on this matter - I hope you are able to one day realize that you are perfect just the way you are - for no other reason than because it is true. Don't aspire towards greatness; just be your best self.

(Viewer discretion advised; if you would rather just read the lyrics, they are posted below).

Pink's "F*ckin' Perfect" Lyrics:

Made a wrong turn once or twice
Dug my way out, blood and fire
Bad decisions, that's alright
Welcome to my silly life

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Miss 'No way, it's all good'
It didn't slow me down.
Mistaken, always second guessing
Underestimated, look I'm still around

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me

You're so mean when you talk
About yourself. You were wrong.
Change the voices in your head
Make them like you instead.

So complicated,
Look happy, You'll make it!
Filled with so much hatred
Such a tired game
It's enough, I've done all I could think of
Chased down all my demons
I've seen you do the same
(Ohh ohhhhhhh)

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me

The whole world's scared, so I swallow the fear
The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer
So cool in line and we try try try but we try too hard
And it's a waste of my time.
Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhere
They don't like my jeans, they don't get my hair
Exchange ourselves and we do it all the time
Why do we do that, why do I do that (why do I do that)?

(Yeah!)
I'm Pretty, pretty, pretty

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me
(You're perfect, you're perfect)
Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect.
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you are perfect to me.

Tights - They're Back!

2011-11-26T23:57:00.001-05:00

Fall/Winter fashion trend alert! Tights are taking the world by storm. What used to be those horribly awful items our mothers forced us to wear under our Sunday best are now finding their way into adults' closets everywhere in various fabrics, patterns, and transparencies!

As the weather can't seem to decide what it's doing - dipping to low 40's one day and then soaring to near 70 the next - tights help extend your spring/summer wardrobe into the fall/winter. In my research, I came across one fashionista who enjoys pairing her shorts with tights, allowing her to maintain core temperatures without having an overly bulky ensemble. Unfortunately, as we enter December, I don't think this adaptation will be wearable much longer.

Unless of course, you're wearing sweater tights! Able to add flair to your outfit, keep your legs and tootsies warm, and they can come in a variety of shades and patterns. Check out these argyle print ones! You can't go wrong!

If you're feeling particularly bold, you can pick up a pair of tights in an iridescent shade to add undeniable pop and wake up your otherwise muted cold weather outfits.

Black will of course go with everything and pair nicely with skirts or dresses paired with boots as will browns and navy blues. And, usually this variety comes in a range of transparencies from super opaque to sheer, depending on your personal preferences.

Then, there are tights like these with crazy patterns that jazz up your look without even trying! This zig zag pattern on the left is rather striking as are these cable net ones on the right.

Tights also enable you to recycle your spring and summer shoes!

Wear them with your strappy heels and peep toes. No need to buy all new footwear as you move into the next season. Wah Lah!

An obvious pro to tights is how budget friendly they are. I just scored 3 pairs at Marshall's for $9.99. In my shopping excursions, I've seen them for as low as $4.50/pair up to $9.99 for a name brand. Sure, you can also find them for $18-$22 at websites likes hue.com, but I'm content with my $3.33 steals. :)

The one piece of advice other bloggers are stressing with tights is: PLEASE, Please, please do not wear tights as if they were leggings. They're tights. Not leggings. So, sure! Pair them with your favorite party dress. Wear them with sweater dresses (that is bonafide dresses made from knit fabrics, not sweaters that are two sizes too big - just sayin'). But do not try to pass them off for pants when they're not. Hello, fashion faux paux. 'Nuff said.

As I retire for the evening and prepare my Sunday best, I will be looking to dawn a pair of my new tights tomorrow. I'll try to upload a picture and keep you updated with other looks I have created using them, so be sure to check back. Best wishes for finding great success with your legwear and stay warm all season long!

With Scarf

Without Scarf

Actual Look of the Tights

Fall & Faux Fur

2011-11-07T10:39:00.000-05:00

At a time when everyone seems concerned with political correctness and being eco-friendly, it is no wonder that faux fur would be at the forefront of fall/winter fashion this year.

It took me a little while to find appreciation for this trend, but if treated respectfully it does look/seem rather cozy. (Notwithstanding, it can also look downright scary).

As with any other wardrobe piece, proportions are key. If your fur simply serves to add texture to your look, then your pairings can be a bit more bold. However, if you look like you traded places with Chewbacca for the day, you want to assume a minimalist approach elsewhere.

The cut of the clothing item is also something to be mindful of. Fur can be quite bulky, so one must be careful when choosing the style and length of his/her potential purchase. Personally, I prefer short hair varieties on hip-length vests; they work best with my frame and build. I feel as if the longer hair furs tend to create an almost sloppy appearance. I much rather prefer to appear pulled together, not coming away at the seams.

If you're not ready to go all out on fur, you can go for a fur-lined jacket or boot! Or, you could invest in a fur-accented handbag. These are all great ways of getting that luxe look without leaving your comfort zone. Just a little bit can go a long way when paired with simple jeans, tees, and/or sweaters.

I'm still on the prowl for a faux fur item to call my own. It can be tricky to find that perfect piece, but never forget, sometimes less is more. And, the bottom line is - you have love what you're in; otherwise, what's the point? So if you're game (pun intended), give it a try. But whatever you do, work what your momma gave you. :)

Autumnal Accoutrements

2011-10-03T10:32:00.001-04:00

Finally, finally, finally! Fall weather has arrived! I was delighted by the cool, crisp temperature and the gentle, refreshing breezes that accompanied my backyard Zumba session earlier today. :)

With the arrival of fall comes the opportunity to break out my near 20 scarves and the cozy sweaters that have lain dormant through the last 2 seasons. It also means that different color options are now available as each season carries it's own palette.

Pantone, "the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries," presented this list of the top ten colors for women during fall 2011 and winter 2012 (fashiontrendsetter.com).

For men, emberglow is replaced by burnt sienna, honeysuckle by raspberry wine, and orchid hush by cadet.

The appeal to these colors is that they allow you to create varying fashion forward statements; it simply depends on how you pair them. To create a standout look, pair the "louder" colors with similarly bright hues. For a more classic, complimentary approach, team up the more vibrant hues with more neutral ones.You can go bold by mixing deep shades together, or create a softer look just using the pastels. The ball is in your court!

My favorites of this lineup are as follows:
1. Phlox - As I have stated before, purples are my go-to's. I look fabulous in them. I can wear this color effortlessly.
2. Emberglow - I just recently got into this shade; although, my true preference lies with one that swings more towards coral. Paired with coffee liquer, it's a match made in Heaven.

3. Bamboo - Bamboo is beautiful, but sometimes difficult to be worn. Accessorizing with it, however, is easy and allows you to take advantage of its appeal without being drowned in it. In fact, this belt on the right was a recent purchase of mine, and I'm on the prowl for a cross body bag in this color as well. (Forever21 to the rescue!)
4. Deep Teal - I have a sweater in this color that I can't wait to wear again. It is simple and therefore perfect to wear with a brooch or a scarf. =D

5. Burnt Sienna - While Pantone allocated this color to men's fashion, it works really well with my natural color palette. My first fall clothing purchase this season was in such a shade. Pining for colored denim and after much searching, I finally found a flare pant in this alluring red hue that is perfect for autumn.

Concerning fall fashion, corduroy is back now, of course, and GAP has a love-at-first-sight pair for women in 4 fall friendly colors - dried berry (as seen on the right), milk chocolate, hematite, and camel.

Another on-trend look you'll likely see - mixing materials. Predominantly seen in over/outerwear, designers have taken us back to the 70's, pairing tweeds with leather or leather with cable knits, and brandishing faux fur aplenty. Doing so creates a luxe look that can go just about anywhere. (Both of these items can be found at H&M - Men's Blazer, Ladies' Jacket).

Riding boots and capes are coming in strong, making an equestrian look easy.

And these are just a few of the "must-haves" for this season. So if you haven't already, unbox those sweaters and cords, air out those scarves and tweed jackets. I have a strong feeling that this autumn is going to be a good one, so why not look great the whole season through!

Finally, A Manicure With Staying Power!

2011-09-04T14:08:00.000-04:00

About two weeks ago, my mother-in-law and I treated ourselves to a manicure and pedicure. Us hard working gals wanted to do something nice for ourselves, so we scheduled our appointment at Galaxy Nails in Woodbridge. This was our second venture there as we were quite pleased with the quality of the service we received the first time, and being all of maybe a mile from home you can't beat the commute!

Before going, I had remarked to my mother-in-law that I would just like to get a pedicure as I cannot keep manicures nice for even 24 hours after leaving the salon. (Once, I hadn't even taken two steps out the door before I had horribly smudged a nail, causing me to have to sheepishly return to ask for a touch up). Nevertheless, she insisted.

Upon arriving, she saw a sign for Color Gel Nail Polish aligned with the phrases, "Tired of having your nails chip? Tired of waiting for them to dry? Try our no chip, no dry Color Gel Nail Polish!" So, she asked the owner of the shop what it was exactly and how valid were these claims. The owner assured us that it would not chip and last 2 weeks. We figured, why not give it a go. If it works, we will be able to enjoy our "treat" that much longer! Skeptical but willing to try, I picked out my color - a vibrant red/orange.

The process is a little more involved than a regular manicure but less obtrusive to your actual nails as the color gel just sits atop your natural nail - no dremmel-like tool needed to shave down your ridges and cuticles as in an acrylic manicure. Catherine Saint Louis of the New York Times provides the rest of the procedure in a nutshell:

A manicurist paints on a base coat, two color coats and top coat, as she would with regular nail lacquer. But after each coat, the soak-off gel is cured briefly under ultraviolet light, so the client leaves with impeccably dry nails.

Truly, there was very little wait time, and my salonist gave me a nice back rub while we waited the last few minutes for the final setting to occur. Both my mother-in-law and I were quite impressed with the quality of the polish's look; it was quite shiny, smooth, and gave the feel of stronger nails. We left happy and hopeful that this new product just might work for us.

The next day, I was quite impressed that I went through a whole day of work with no chipping or breakage. As was true the next day and the day after that. The true test came on Friday, our big clean and move-all-our-equipment day, and still, my nails looked as full of luster as they did when I got them done. Needless to say, I was impressed. I am very hard on my hands, and I was not getting this polish to budge.

Michelle Mismas, author of alllacqueredup.com, had a similar experience when she "test drove" the color gel polish: “When I was wearing it, I beat my hands up, and I couldn’t get a scratch...I was banging into things on purpose to see if I could trash it.” 2 weeks later, hers were still holding strong.

By the end of week 1, I, however, had lost one. It lifted and came off entirely. However, unlike acrylic nails that require plastic tips to be super glued to your real nail and, when removed, essentially leave them "torn up" and in need of another rotor rooter treament, the color gel caused little to no damage - nothing a little normal filing couldn't smooth out.

In the days that followed, a few more of my nails lifted at the corners, which of course caused me to play with them until they too fell off. But being that the color and look of the polish remained constant throughout and their removal caused far less damage than other experiences I have had, I remain a happy customer. My mother-in-law and I joked that for me to keep them nice for 1 day would be a remarkable accomplishment, and this manicure lasted 1 full week.

I would certainly get the color gel nail polish again. It is more expensive than a traditional manicure but not much different than acrylic tips - about $45 for the inital treatment, $25 to "fill," but it is worth to me it if it actually lasts. You can find more costly ones, but that generally means they are using the more high end gels. Also, a good idea to combat the growth that occurs after two weeks is to do a french manicure look with a colored tip but a more natural tone towards the cuticle.

I think for my next nail venture, I will investigate Sally Hansen's Salon Effects stick on manicure. At $8.54 + no additional tip at Target, it is worth a try in between salon visits. Plus, they have such neat colors and patterns. Looks like fun! But, I highly recommend the color gel treatment. It really does have staying power.

A Brief History of the Argyle Print

2011-08-21T16:42:00.000-04:00

Argyle has come a long way since first seen on someone's socks. This thought crossed my mind as I stared at my lovely green & pink steel water bottle. What began as a sock trend has now encompassed nearly every clothing and accessory item as well as stationary, lunchboxes, phone cases, water bottles, and much, much more!

So where did it come from? Well, funny you should ask. :)

Fashion legend has it that the argyle print originated in Argyll, Scotland, worn by the high clansmen of the family Campbell, and dates back as early as the 17th century. It appeared as a type of tartan, which refers to the pattern of crisscrossed lines displayed on cloth, i.e. what we Americans refer to as plaid.

They used it on their kilts, plaids, and socks. (For a Scotsman, a plaid is a cloth or blanket slung over the shoulder).

Supposedly, the first argyle sweater was created sometime in the 1920's by Pringle of Scotland, a luxury knitwear manufacturer and importer. However, the print did not become considered high fashion until after World War I. One source claims that it was the president of Brooks Brothers, having returned from a golf tournament held in Scotland, who presented the U.S. with the argyle pattern. Recognizing it's great potential while overseas, he took to producing the first pair of North American argyle socks in 1949.

And you know the rest of the story. Now, argyle is everywhere! The "look" has become iconic and associated with intellectualism ("preppies"), suiting teenagers and adults alike.

Outside of my water bottle, I do not own any other argyle printed items. "Preppy" was never my thing. Nevertheless, I can appreciate the history, uniqueness, and originality behind a trend. After all, one would be hard pressed to find someone who has no clue what argyle is. For that reason, it pervades as a timeless classic in the fashion world. Kudos to the Scottish!

Sources (the jury is still out as to whether or not they can viewed as reliable):

Owls Are A Hoot!

2011-08-07T20:00:00.000-04:00

So huge in the fashion world right now - Owls!!! And I love 'em. I am so intrigued by their various designs. Because they are a feathered friend, featuring them as jewelry or on clothes automatically lends extra texture and pop to your look.

Apparently, Marc Jacobs is a big fan. I swiped this photo of a collection of his from a fellow blogger:

I think the easiest way to incorporate an owl into your wardrobe is as an accessory. And as far as they go, Forever 21 - a favorite spot of mine to snag cheap, trendy jewelry - carries a host of Owl accoutrements.


I am dying to get my hands on this necklace, but haven't found it in stores yet. If you do, grab it for me. I'll pay you back!!!

Charlotte Russe also offers some neat options.

I love this stand-out top by American Apparel (left) and covet this whimsical scarf (right) from ModCloth.

I was curious and looked into as to why this foul may have suddenly wound up in the fashion world, but came up with no real answer. So, I looked into what symbolism lies behind owls in general. They often denote: wisdom, mystery, intelligence, and protection. One could have fun flaunting and/or embellishing on such characteristics. In fact, if you want to up the wisdom/intelligence factor, Forever 21 has this "Nerdy Owl Necklace," featuring Harry Potter like glasses. Not for me, but I could seen a brain-iac going for this piece. :)

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this small overview of owls in fashion. I am actually somewhat surprised at myself for how much I enjoy them. But, the more I allow myself to indulge in things that heretofore may have been unlikely candidates, the more delight I find in my wardrobe. Hope the same can be said for you!

Delighted by Devil's Food

2011-07-16T20:16:00.004-04:00

So tonight, I had a craving for a nice big piece of chocolate cake. Mmmm.... However, along with this craving comes a few dilemmas:

Going to any restaurant, desserts are killer - calorically and certainly when it comes to fat content. The portion is usually equal to what two people should have. There is nothing guilt free about it. For example, the Triple Chocolate Meltdown from Applebee's - a decadent and wonderfully chocolatey dessert option - clocks in nutritionally at: 820 calories, 48 grams of fat (30 which are of the saturated variety), and 9 grams of protein. Eek! That's a no go. (At least for tonight; I have been known to more than happily consume on of these yummy confections single-handedly before).

I could make my own cake! Sounds like a good remedy; however, sweets in this house don't generally go quickly. In fact, they tend to not go at all. I am the only real dessert eater. The others in my household go more for salty fare than sweet at the end of the day. Furthermore, while the version I make would hug my waistline less than a restaurant one would, prepared as directed on the back of the box, it is still not my best friend.

So, I came up with a brilliant idea!!!

I set out to create enough cake for me to consume over the course of one week. How? I opened the package of Devil's Food Cake mix I had, and after measuring the entire contents to be 3 cups, I spooned out 1.5 cups of it. Now, I only have to make 1 8-inch or 9-inch round cake instead of 2.

Next, since I slashed the amount of mix in half, I needed to slash my other ingredients in half also. Instead of 1⅓ cups of water, I used ⅔. Instead of 3 eggs.....hmmm...I don't readily have access to only ½ of an egg, so I just used 1 whole egg. And for the oil, I was directed to use ½ cup. But the eggs and the oil is where the fat comes from, so if I could substitute something here I'd feel better. So, I did.

Instead of oil, I used 1, 2.5 oz. package of pureed banana (i.e. baby food). I should have probably only used 2 oz. but since I was down ½ an egg, I figured this would make up for it. Mixing them altogether, the batter became quite smooth. Into the pan it went and baked for 32 minutes at 325°. Since I don't particularly care for frosting in the first place, I figure once it cools, I'll dust it with powdered sugar, and it'll be a done deal.

Now for the exciting part:

The nutritional data on this whole cake is as follows:

291 calories
5 grams of fat
8 grams of protein

That's on the whole cake. For 1 out of 8 slices, this cake weighs in at 36 calories, .63 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein!!!!! I could practically eat the whole dang cake with a clear conscience! Prepared the way it is directed, one piece is just about equivalent to the above measurements! Check out this breakdown from myfitnesspal.com:


	Devils Food (Betty Crocker Super Moist) Serving Size: 1/12 pkg, Calories: 260, Fat: 2g, Carbs: 35g, Protein: 2g

Now, the disclaimer is this: as of this moment, I have not tried a piece. This experiement could have gone horribly awry, and this cake could be the worst thing I have ever concocted. So, I will let you know after I try it how it turned out. But this just goes to show you that with a little bit of extra thought and some ingredient substitutions, you can still make tasty treats without damaging your healthy living habits. Go me!!!

Addendum: After allowing my cake to cool and diving into a piece, I was, in fact, delighted! The cake was super moist and delicious. Sure, it lacked a little decadence due to the lack of fat; however, I do not think that its absence left the cake wanting. On the contrary, it truly pleased my palate.

I've topped it 2 different ways: 1) with Friendly's Carmelot ice cream. Mmmmmm....; 2) with powdered sugar, drizzled lightly with caramel syrup. Both were great. I am thrilled that this recipe alteration worked out! Give it a try!